Fine Gael chooses general election candidates in Dublin Fingal West and Donegal

It had been widely expected that Senator Nikki Bradley would be selected by the party to stand in Donegal. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Fine Gael has selected a further three candidates to contest the next general election, with two vying to replace outgoing TD Joe McHugh in Donegal.

Party members this evening selected Senator Nikki Bradley and John McNulty to contest the upcoming general election in Co Donegal, while the party picked Grace Boland to run in Dublin Fingal West.

Ms Bradley is a disability rights activist and was nominated to the Seanad by Taoiseach Simon Harris in early July.

It had been widely expected that Ms Bradley would be selected by the party to stand in Donegal, following Mr McHugh’s decision to stand down as a TD in 2022.

Ms Bradley said that she wants to be a “strong voice for those living with disabilities”, while also promising to represent homeowners who have been issued by the ongoing defective block crisis in Donegal.

Mr McNulty, who manages the Donegal women’s GAA team, said that he wanted to focus on the “indigenous industries” of farming and fishing, while also highlighting housing, healthcare and attracting tourism as priorities.

He also raised the issue of defective concrete blocks, saying that he wanted to see “real, practical solutions” to address the matter.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael has also selected Grace Boland to contest the newly created constituency of Dublin Fingal West.

Ms Boland said that given she is a native of Fingal, she understands the challenges the local community faces.

“My vision for Fingal West is rooted in promoting affordable and accessible childcare, improving public services, ensuring well-resourced health centres and schools, and supporting our local economy,” she said.

Ms Boland cited the reason for her entry into electoral politics was inspired by her late father, John Boland – a former Fine Gael cabinet minister who served under former taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald.

Fine Gael have now selected 31 candidates across 19 constituencies, with more due to be confirmed in the coming weeks. This includes a replacement for former Fine Gael TD Joe Carey, who confirmed his resignation earlier today.